Today we’d like to introduce you to Jason Chipkin.
Hi Jason, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I grew up in a small quaint town named Pawling, NY which is about one hour north of New York City. I began my flight training in 1998 at age 14. After graduating high school in 2001, I spent five years as an air traffic controller in the US Marine Corps. In 2004, on my weekends, I was able to finally complete my private pilot certification. In 2007 I was hired on by the Federal Aviation Administration as a tower controller at El Monte Airport located just east of Los Angeles, California. This was the time where I felt the urge to do something more beneficial with my flying capabilities. I began searching for volunteer opportunities and came across PIlots N Paws. This was the perfect solution because I could work on building pilot time while donating to an amazing non-profit organization. Originally founded in 2008, Pilots N Paws provides an online framework that brings together animal rescue organizations, shelters, medical centers, and adopters with our volunteer pilots to facilitate the free air transportation of animals in need. Pilots N Paws pilots play a vital role in unloading overpopulated shelters, transferring animals from kill shelters to no-kill shelters, flying animals to specialists or other medical facilities for treatment, and uniting adopters with their rescued animals. Our dedicated pilots are all volunteers who can view flight requests posted online and select which route to fly. They fly from their plane’s home bases and on their own time… These pilots personally coordinate and confirm scheduling with all other parties involved, which includes establishing pick-up and drop-off airports, times, use of crates or harnesses, medications, and other special needs of the animal being transported. The majority of flights are for dogs and cats, but rabbits, turtles, and other animals have been known to get a free ride as well. Volunteer pilots are not paid or reimbursed by Pilots N Paws or any other party. However, Pilots N Paws is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization which means your flights are considered a donation to charity. I am currently a radar air traffic controller at Southern California TRACON, and enjoy introducing other pilots to the joy of public benefit flying (you get your own callsign, too!) Pilots N Paws is a wonderful way to maintain proficiency and keep your flying skills sharp while giving back to the community and saving lives. For more information or to get started, please visit www.pilotsnpaws.org!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Pilots N Paws pilots focus on safety and comfort. There are many factors to take into consideration when flying animals, including weight and size, medical needs, altitude and oxygen requirements, and of course weather. Most animals are either crated or tethered to the backseat with a seatbelt harness. Though there are occasions where a smaller, more docile animal could be held by an accompanying passenger. There are some potentially messy and stinky situations, such as the infamous inflight restroom break. Aside from the post-flight cleanup and the unpleasant odor, as long as the animal is contained, it shouldn’t affect the continuation of the flight. Another challenge to animal rescue flights is loading and unloading the animals. Depending on the size of the animal and its crate, pilots might solicit the help of others to aid in lifting and positioning it appropriately inside the aircraft. Pilots also maintain awareness of interior cabin temperatures, air flow, and altitude restrictions. For example, when very young animals are on board, we typically fly at lower altitudes to retain more oxygen for their smaller lungs. Even though there are many things to consider when flying animals, Pilots N Paws offers an extensive online networking platform for pilots to communicate with each other and promote a culture of safety and learning.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I served five years as a tower and radar air traffic controller in the United States Marine Corps. After attending basic training in 2001 in South Carolina, I was stationed at Marine Corps Air Station New River, Jacksonville, North Carolina. I deployed to Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2004 where I provided remote outlying airfield air traffic control tower services. In 2005 I deployed to Djibouti, located in the Horn of Africa. There, I worked alongside Ambouli International Airport tower controllers. The airport was shared between the local airlines on one side of the runway and the United States military on the other side. During my off time, I also earned PADI scuba diving certification while diving in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. Leveraging my air traffic control certifications from the Marine Corps, in 2007 I was hired by the FAA to begin my career at El Mont air traffic control tower in El Monte, California. El Monte airport featured a single runway configuration which supported local businesses, leisure flying, as well as several locally based flight schools. Two years later, I advanced my career by transferring to Long Beach Airport control tower. Long Beach Airport boasted a complex five-runway configuration, a plethora of flight schools and business jet operations as well as a popular and convenient airline terminal. I spent about six years at Long Beach Airport and then transferred to Southern California TRACON – or Terminal Radar Approach Control in San Diego. This ATC position facilitates the arrival, departure, and en route phases of all aircraft in the southern California area. Specifically, my airspace encompasses Torrance, Long Beach, Fullerton, and John Wayne airports. At work, I am known as the “pilot guy” because my colleagues frequently come to me with questions related to flying from the pilot side of the radar screen. I am able to provide some additional insight to pilot-specific operations and procedures that may not have been covered in our air traffic control technical courses. I am proud to be fortunate enough to have a career that enables me to donate time and financial resources to helping my community when the need arises. In addition to PIlots N Paws, I also volunteer with Angel Flight West, a non-profit that organizes and provides free flights to passengers who need transportation for medical purposes. These flights, also provided by volunteer pilots, reduce the time and effort that would otherwise be needed to drive to and from their scheduled appointments which may be hours away. I set myself apart from others because of my willingness to help others and ensure their well-being is a top priority. I treat others with dignity and respect and strive to provide them with a little respite during times of difficulty or sadness. It brings me joy and comfort giving people and animals a helping hand to carry them along.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
I have learned many lessons along my journey as a humanitarian pilot. I have learned that communication is key to developing and maintaining valuable relationships. Our goals as volunteer pilots and rescue organizations would not be attainable without the caring individuals who devote their time, energy, and resources to accomplishing successful rescue flights. I have learned that flexibility is key to developing schedules that work for each party. Because there can be several individuals working together for one flight, it may take several attempts to coordinate the perfect schedule. Several variables must also be considered, including aircraft availability and weather conditions along the entire route of flight. In the end, it’s our dedication and sacrifices which frame a positive experience and successful outcome.
Pricing:
- Free transport of animals in need.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.pilotsnpaws.org
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/pilotsnpaws
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pilotsnpawsfanpage
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/PilotsNPaws
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/PilotsNPaws
